Yes, Jeep is definetly a gas hog, my Cherokee isn't that bad, it is 98, running strong and been trouble free even after 4 accidents and was stolen and abused. Gets about 21MPG on highway, and about 17mpg in city. My other Jeep which is Wrangler... even with same engine (robust, and powerful 4.0L engine) uses more gas, 13MPG-20MPG.
Tell you this, I have test with various speed. Guess what speed achieves highest MPG?
Its 47MPH! As soon as I get over 47MPH the gas mileage decreases!
After driving faster than 65mph, the mileage on gas decreases much faster.
Know why? Nothing to do with how many speed you got on the tranny... What we call is wind resistance, Going faster than 45MPH increases wind resistance exponently, which causes engine to work harder resulting using more gas.
I also tested on my motorcycle, and it proved too! When I ride it over 65MPH I usually get 32-35MPG, when I ride it around 55MPH I get aroound 40MPG. Finally when I ride it nicely and slow (40-45MPH), I hit 50MPG!
I don't think government should enforce the 55MPH, what I think government should do is enforce 55MPH only on right lane, and higher speed on left lane on multiple lanes highways.
I got no plans to trade both of my gas guzzler Jeeps anytime soon. Maybe in future yes. I don't want to deal with two car payments!
